Pubdate: Tue, 11 Apr 2006 Source: Dominion Post, The (New Zealand) Copyright: 2006 The Dominion Post Contact: http://www.dompost.co.nz Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2550 Author: Kay Blundell Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) CANNABIS CAMP CAME WITH HOME COMFORTS Camp cannabis has been uncovered in bush south of Levin. The elaborate campsite, surrounded by 200 mature cannabis plants, had two dome-shaped tents, a picnic table and chairs, gas barbecue, quad bike and trailer, food supplies and a sound system. An air rifle and crossbow were among weapons found at the site, which had evidence of babies and children living there. The "drug camp" was hidden in dense bush about two kilometres from the bushline. One of the tents was serving as living quarters and the other as a cannabis-drying room, Sergeant Brian Yanko said. Two-metre-high cannabis plants were found in several plots. "The plants had been well germinated and cultivated to produce high-quality heads, which would have a street value of well over $10,000," he said. "It would have taken a lot of time and effort setting it all up to provide all the comforts of home." Children's clothing, nappies and disposable "wipes" suggested that children had been living there. There was also evidence of previous crops, Detective Constable Andrew Townsend said. "It was a sophisticated set-up, which had signs that cannabis crops had been cultivated there for several years." When police began investigating the area on Sunday they expected to find a drug site, Constable James Walker said, "but it was the biggest set-up I have ever seen". They were chasing leads on the offenders. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin